FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation’s Connections for
Cardiovascular HealthSM program today announced a
grant of $191,955 to the Cornerstone Assistance Network of Fort Worth in
support of the Cardio CAN Outreach initiative. This is the third
consecutive year in which Cornerstone Assistance Network has received a
grant from the Foundation, totaling $526,955.

The Cardio Cornerstone Assistance Network (CAN) Outreach program
provides guidance for uninsured and low-income families to become more
independent while leading healthier lives. Now in year three, the
program intends to build on four key initiatives that in concert change
lifestyles: a medical home for the uninsured and low income, health
education, healthy cooking classes and fitness. They will also expand
these key elements to offer more youth initiatives.

In 2012, Cornerstone tracked more than 400 patients after receiving
funding from the AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation. At least 30 percent
of the participants reduced their glycated hemoglobin(A1c)
measures by 10 percent or more. At least 20 percent of those
participants reduced their low-density lipoproteinand
triglyceride measures by 20 percent or more.

“Cardio CAN will continue to see a growing number of new patients and
monitor overall improved health of current patients,” said Mike Doyle,
CEO, Cornerstone Assistance Network. “The program will be able to extend
its reach to even more of those underserved in Tarrant County. Through
the program’s services, including Cornerstone’s fitness facility and
nutrition classes, patients will have access to the tools necessary to
help them maintain a healthier lifestyle. Cardio CAN will also be able
to more closely monitor and communicate patient data with its new
electronic medical records. We are grateful for the continued support of
the AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation and will continue to expand upon
our mission with this partnership.”

“Cardiovascular disease continues to be the nation’s No. 1 killer, which
is why we must work to decrease the risks of this devastating disease,”
said James W. Blasetto, M.D., MPH, FACC, chairman of the AstraZeneca
HealthCare Foundation. “The AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation is proud
to provide funding to innovative, grassroots programs like Cornerstone
Assistance Network’s Cardio CAN program, which work to help prevent and
control the effects of cardiovascular disease in their community.”

The Connections for Cardiovascular Health program awards grants
of $150,000 and up to US-based non-profit organizations that are doing
innovative work in the field of cardiovascular health. This year, the
Foundation has awarded more than $4.4 million in grants to 22
organizations. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded nearly
$11 million across the United States to help improve cardiovascular
health.

Organizations can learn more and apply online for a Foundation grant at www.astrazeneca-us.com/foundation.
Applications must be submitted online no later than 5 p.m. EST on Feb.
28, 2013.

About Cornerstone Assistance Network

In 2011, Cornerstone Charitable Clinic treated more than 500 patients in
the areas of primary care, endocrinology, rheumatology, dermatology,
neurology, and through our newest addition, radiology as part of the
Cardio CAN program. The clinic has also expanded its healthcare reach by
utilizing electronic medical records for all services provided, ensuring
accuracy in tracking and monitoring patient data and outcomes.

About the AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation

Established in 1993, the AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation is a Delaware
not-for-profit corporation and a 501(c)(3) entity organized for
charitable purposes including to promote public awareness of healthcare
issues, to promote public education of medical knowledge and to support
or contribute to charitable and qualified exempt organizations
consistent with its charitable purpose. Connections for
Cardiovascular Health was launched in 2010 through a charitable
contribution of $25 million from AstraZeneca.